“In the context of skin, hyperpigmentation is the presence of darkened spots, or patches anywhere on the skin caused by overactive melanocytes and over-production of the pigment melanin,” says Jaimie DeRosa, MD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
We spoke to a few skin experts to help us get to the bottom of how cysteamine can help those who struggle with pigmentation. It can even help prevent future pigmentation, according to board-certified dermatologist Jeremy Brauer, MD.
That’s because they often contain brightening ingredients, like kojic acid and vitamin C, that work to brighten skin tone, but not necessarily lighten skin.įor that you need something like cysteamine, an ingredient praised for its ability to decrease melanin pigment and fade dark spots on the skin when applied topically. For those who experience dark spots and pigmentation, you’ll know that there are many “brightening” skincare products that don’t actually work how you’d like them to.
